Cadmium-nickel alloy



Patented Apr. 18, '1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE E. SWABTZ, OF HIGHLAND PARK, AND ALBERT J. IHILLIPS, OF METUCHEN, NEW

i JERSEY, ASSIGNOBS TO AMERICAN SMELTING AND BEFINING COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY CADMIUM-NICKEL ALLOY "No Drawing.

This invention relates to metal alloys and more particularly to alloys of cadmium and nickel which may contain small amounts of another metal or metals, such as copper, antimony, aluminum,-magnesium' or the like.

The invention relates particularly to an alloy which may successfully be utilized as bearing metal at relatively high temperatures, that is, temperatures considerably in excess of those permissible when conventional tin babbitts are employed.

In general, bearing metal alloys are composed of two distinct phases of widely Varying physical properties. One of these phases is relatively soft, ductile, malleable deforms with comparative ease, and is. capable of creeping. The other phase is harder than the soft phase, but, at the same time, is softer than the softest constituent of the shaft or similar structure which is supported or surrounded by the bearing metal. In use, the

' soft phase accommodates the individual characteristic of the shaftand, as this phase wears away, the hard phase becomes exposed, and, in addition to carrying the load, may make the actual metal to metal contact between shaft and the bearing in the momentary absence of lubricant.

In addition, it is fundamental that the range of operating or working temperature of any bearing is limited by the melting point of the bearing alloy or the melting point of the lowest melting constituent present in apf of area 1n tension is about 100% greater.

reciable amounts in the alloy. Because 0 this fact further advance in many industries has been slackened, if not halted, for lack of a bearing metal capable of operating at tem eratures above the limits of conventional tin abbitts. The problem is especially acute in the automotive field due to the increasing demands placed on engine bearings by increased and sustained speeds and higher operating temperatures.

- We have found that an alloy of cadmium and 0.25% to 7% nickel with or without small quantities of another metal or metals is admirably suited for useas bearing metal or the like. Y

In compounding the alloy, cadmium may be introduced into a suitable kettle and heated Application filed June 30, '1932. Serial No. 620,305.

to 400 to 450 C. under a suitable flux, which prevents oxidation and the production of undesirable dross and compounds during the formation of the alloy. For this purpose we find a low melting chloride slag, such as zinc chloride, to give excellent results. Pure, thin, sheet nickel'may then be introduced and the molten bath agitated until the nickel is incorporated therein. Small quantities of other metals, such as copper, antimony, aluminum, magnesium or the like, may be added in amounts varying from traces up to 2 or 3%, depending on the particular metal added and the efi'ectdesired by its presence, such as the lessening of V oxidation during casting, resistance to corrosion, increased strength and the like. When the nickel or nickel and accompanying constituents, if any, are thoroughly incorporated in and alloyed with the molten cadmium, the alloy may be cast in suitable molds to be used as desired.

When employed as bearing metal the alloy exhibits many desirable features and characteristics. be successfully used at temperatures approaching 318 C. This is very important when it is remembered that ordinary tin babbitt has a maximum working temperature of approximately 200 C. due to the low melting point of its soft constituent.

As compared to tin babbitt, the cadmiumnickel. alloy posseses approximately 50% greater tensile strength while its reduction Elongation of the alloy exceeds babbitt by approximately the yield point in compression is nearly greater and compression strength is about one-fourth greater. Again, the Rockwell test shows greater hardness values for the new alloy.

While the creep value of the cadmiumnickel alloy is higher than the creep value of babbitts, it is appreciably lower than the creep values of bearing bronzes. In other words, the'alloy of our invention will creep under a lower load than will the bronzes. This is of especial importance during the period when a bearing is running in and setting to a shaft. I

The coeflicient of friction of an alloy of l are to 1.5% nickel and the balance cadmium is about equal to that of babbitt.

As previously mentioned, the properties'of the cadmium-nickel alloy may be modified 5 by the addition of small amounts of other metals. For example, by adding say 0.5% copper to a cadmium @1110 containing 1.5% nickel, the tensile stren t is nearly double that of tin babbitt 'whi e, at the same time, 1 elongation and reduction of area in tension com ares favorably with babbitts.

though the nickel content may vary from 0.25% to 7% as specified, we find that, for most purposes, a range in the nickel content of from 0.6% to 4% gives the better results. In other words, a minimum of 0.25% nickel is necessary, while, if more than 7% nickel is used, the characteristics which make the alloy desirable for use as bearing metal are 2 modified or disappear.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be effected by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1. A metal alloy containin from 0.25% to 3 7 nickel and the balance su stantially cad-- mium. n

2. A hearing metal consisting of 0.25% to 7% nickel and the balance substantially cadmium. 85 3. A hearing metal comprising 0.6% to 4% nickel and the balance substantially cadmium. 4. A metal alloy comprising 0.25% to 7% nickel, antimony in appreciable quantities not 40 exceeding 3% and the balance cadmium.

5. A metal alloy comprising 0.25% to 7% nickel, copper in appreciable quantities not exceeding 3% and the balance cadmium.

6. A metal alloy comprising 0.25% to 7% nickel, antimony and copper in appreciable quantities not exceeding 3% and the balance cadmium.

In testimony whereof We have hereunto set our hands. CARL E. SWARTZ.

ALBERT J. PHILLIPS. 

